A nurse is caring for a client following a fire that destroyed their home and killed one of their children. The client is crying and does not make eye contact with the nurse. Which of the following questions should the nurse ask first?

Choice A reason: Asking how the client is feeling is supportive but does not address the immediate risk of harm. While therapeutic, it is not the priority in a crisis situation where safety must be assessed first. Choice B reason: Offering to call someone for support is helpful but secondary. Before involving others, the nurse must determine if the client is at risk of self-harm. Choice C reason: Asking about past coping strategies is useful for long-term support but does not address the immediate crisis. It assumes the client is safe, which must be confirmed first. Choice D reason: Assessing for suicidal ideation is the priority because the client has experienced a traumatic loss and is showing signs of severe distress. The nurse must determine if the client is at risk of harming themselves before proceeding with other interventions. Ensuring safety is always the first priority in crisis care.